Russia Restricts Access To Facebook For 'Fact-Checking' Russian News Outlets

Russia has partially blocked access to Facebook in the country after the social network limited the accounts of four Russian media outlets.

Russia's communications regulator Roskomnadzor in a statement on Friday said that by blocking accounts of news outlets, Facebook was violating "the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens." In addition, the agency noted that it had recorded 23 cases of "censorship" by Facebook since October 2020.

Roskomnadzor claims that it sent requests to Facebook's parent company Meta to remove the restrictions, but Facebook simply "ignored" these requests.

Reuters

Did Facebook "ignore" Russia's requests?

In response to Russia's claims, Meta's president of global affairs, Nick Clegg said that the company was simply refusing to "stop fact-checking" content posted by four Russian state-owned media organisations, adding to label to their posts.

"Ordinary Russians are using @Meta's apps to express themselves and organize for action. We want them to continue to make their voices heard, share what¡¯s happening, and organize through Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger," Clegg wrote in a Tweet.

Ordinary Russians are using @Meta's apps to express themselves and organize for action. We want them to continue to make their voices heard, share what¡¯s happening, and organize through Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger. pic.twitter.com/FjTovgslCe

¡ª Nick Clegg (@nickclegg) February 25, 2022

Also read: Russia's 'Mobile Crematoriums' Reportedly Deployed In Ukraine To Hide Losses

Putin's invasion of Ukraine also includes a full-fledged media campaign to justify the war. Putin has claimed that Ukraine needs to be demilitarised and de-Nazified. In addition, he has pushed the narrative of a genocide taking place in Ukraine. However, there is no evidence to back these claims.

Also read: Google Maps Recorded Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine Before It Officially Began

AP photo

In times of crises, social media platforms like Facebook can serve as a way to ensure safety and communication. What do you think about Meta's decision to not give in to Russia's demands? Let us know in the comments below.

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References

Heath, A. (2022, February 25). Russia partially blocks Facebook for fact-checking state-owned media. The Verge.